Symptoms are your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. My hypothyroid symptoms checklist lists the most well recognized symptoms. In addition, I provide lesser known signs to look for.
Hypothyroid Symptoms Checklist (The Warning Signs You Need To Know About)
You may already know the two classic symptoms of hypothyroidism are constant fatigue, and feeling cold all the time.
Here are some other well recognized symptoms:
+ Dry skin and hair
+ Sensitivity to cold weather
+ Significant hair loss
+ Difficulty losing weight
+ Brain fog, and poor concentration
+ Ongoing constipation
+ Wake feeling fatigued
+ Feelings of depression, or anxiety
+ Goitre (swelling of the thyroid)
Here Are Some Lesser Known Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
+ Outer third of the eyebrows is sparse, or missing
+ Elevated cholesterol
+ Slow reflexes
+ Poor bone mineral density
+ Slow pulse rate
+ Low blood pressure
+ Pressure around the throat
+ Carpal tunnel syndrome
+ Low sex drive
+ Pins and needles in hands and feet
+ Puffy face and hands
+ Swollen and puffy ankles and feet
+ Joint and muscle pain
+ Slow thinking
+ Impaired memory
+ Heavy periods and/or cramps (in women)
+ Growth delay (in children)
Hypothyroidism isn’t just a women’s health problem. When men are not making enough thyroid hormones it triggers the typical symptoms of hypothyroidism along with some specific male-related symptoms. This includes low free testosterone, reduced sex drive, and sexual dysfunction which manifest as erectile problems and low sperm count. Unfortunately doctors tend to overlook symptoms of thyroid problems in men as it’s more common for women to suffer with thyroid troubles.
Get The Help You Need
The thyroid hormones power up energy metabolism within all organs and body systems.
LOW THYROID HORMONES = HYPOTHYROIDISM.
In effect, the thyroid gland is not producing sufficient thyroid hormones, or there’s reduced activity of the thyroid hormones to meet the needs of the body.
Either way, it’s a serious concern as left untreated thyroid dysfunction can become extremely debilitating.
What Should You Do Next?
Get help! If you ticked off most of the symptoms listed above it’s highly likely you are dealing with a thyroid issue. It’s vital to discuss your concerns with a thyroid-literate doctor who will take the time to listen to you, and run the necessary lab tests to confirm a diagnosis.
Some doctors don’t do enough testing which means a problem can be easily missed. Don’t accept everything is ‘NORMAL’ without viewing test results for yourself. You want to make sure comprehensive testing was done AND your results are in the optimal range. These are the Top 5 Thyroid Tests To Discuss With Your Doctor.
Resources
American Thyroid Association (ATA). Link
Australian Thyroid Foundation (ATF). Link
Thyroid UK. Link